The entire state of Georgia is under a state of emergency with a storm warning until Wednesday afternoon.
Most counties in Southeast Georgia are closing schools on Wednesday, when conditions are expected to be dangerous on roads, particularly in the morning.
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Freezing rain is expected to begin in Southeast Georgia on Tuesday afternoon, which poses a significant risk of ice accumulation, especially along and north of Interstate 10 toward Homerville, Waycross and Jesup.
That ice accumulation could cause significant power outages Tuesday night, and residents are encouraged to stock winter emergency supply kits for homes and vehicles.
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Areas along and north of Waycross in Southeast Georgia have a medium chance (40-50%) of seeing up to 1 inch of snow.
There is also a low chance (5-15%) of up to 3 inches of snow north and northwest of Waycross, which could lead to major impacts.
The Georgia Department of Transportation spent several days brining roads from interstates I-95 in Glynn and Camden counties.
RELATED: Georgia DOT treats highways, bridges with brine ahead of dangerous winter storm
The department added that Georgia DOT snowplow crews are prepared to work to clear roads once precipitation begins to fall, however, crews cannot clear roads that are packed with vehicles.
Remember if you see a salt, brine or plow trucks, make sure not to crowd the plow and give them at least 100 feet of space.
The Coastal Health District in Georgia announced that all operations will be suspended at 12 p.m. Tuesday and will remain suspended Wednesday.
Officials anticipate a delayed opening on Thursday at 11 a.m. This includes all health department clinics and offices in Camden and Glynn, counties.
Anyone with an appointment previously scheduled during the closure will be contacted to reschedule.
Brantley County
Brantley County Emergency Management warned residents that a wintry mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain is expected to impact Southeast GA, including areas along U.S. Highway 84, from Tuesday evening through Wednesday afternoon.
With temperatures dropping and dangerous conditions likely on the roads, it’s important to stay prepared.
Key actions to take:
- Stock up on food, water, and winter clothing
- Check vehicle supplies and consider adjusting travel plans
- At home, allow faucets to drip, open cabinet doors to prevent freezing pipes, and use flashlights instead of candles
- Keep an eye on updates as forecasts can change. Prepare now and stay informed to keep your family and community safe.
Schools
Brantley County schools will be OPEN on Tuesday but will dismiss early at 2 p.m.
Because of road safety concerns, the district’s schools will be closed on Wednesday.
Camden County
Camden County is under a Winter Storm Warning beginning at 7 p.m. on Tuesday and lasting through 1 p.m. on Wednesday.
The Warming Center at 1050 Wildcat Dr. in Kingsland will remain open until 9 a.m. Tuesday. The warming center will open nightly at 8 p.m. as long as needed based on weather conditions. Contact: 912-729-5602. If you or someone you know needs warmth and safety overnight, please spread the word!
County government and city offices will be closed to the public on Wednesday and will operate with essential personnel only.
On Tuesday afternoon, the Public Works Department was loading trucks with sand. It also put a digital road board warning people about the storm.
Chuck White, Camden County Emergency Management Director, said the department has been doing a lot planning and resourcing over the last three days.
“The two big hazards for me are going to be icy conditions on the roads, which will make it unsafe for driving at some point late overnight into early morning and potentially through the day tomorrow on Wednesday,” White said. “The other big concern for me, at a high level, is the potential that we’re going to have rain accumulation freezes on branches. Those branches come down, it impacts power transmission, and we get power outages.”
White also said they want people to be safe in their homes so they encourage people not to light candles and keep space heater safety in mind.
Residents are encouraged to prepare their homes, secure outdoor items, and avoid unnecessary travel during inclement weather. Stay tuned to official communication channels for further updates or emergency instructions.
Schools
No afternoon school activities on Tuesday and all schools closed on Wednesday.
All schools and offices will be closed for the safety of students and staff.
All afterschool activities for Tuesday and Wednesday will be canceled.
The district will provide an update on Wednesday after it assesses the readiness of roads and buildings for reopening on Thursday.
Waste Services
- MSW and C&D Landfills will be closed on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, and will reopen for normal operating hours Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, weather and conditions permitting. Extended hours will be offered Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- County (Unincorporated Area): The Curbside Collections office will be closed on Wednesday, January 22, 2025. Note: Waste collections will be one day behind; Wednesday collections will be made on Thursday.
- City of Kingsland: Waste collections will pause on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, and will resume normal operations Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, weather and conditions permitting. Note: Waste collections will be one day behind; Wednesday collections will be made on Thursday.
- St. Marys/Woodbine: Waste collections will pause on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025, and will resume normal operations Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, weather and conditions permitting. Note: Waste collections will be one day behind; Wednesday collections will be made on Thursday.
Follow the National Weather Service in Jacksonville, the Camden County Website, and Camden County EMA Facebook. For non-emergency information, residents may call 912-729-5602.
Charlton County
The Winter Storm Watch was upgraded to a Winter Storm Warning for areas along and south of a line from Harris to Monroe to Jefferson Counties.
For areas northward up to Haralson/Forsyth/Banks Counties, it’s been upgraded to a Winter Weather Advisory. Both will be in effect from 10 a.m. Tuesday through 7 a.m. Wednesday.
Charlton County is under a Winter Storm Warning from 7 p.m. Tuesday until 1 p.m. Wednesday.
A Cold Weather Advisory issued for all of North Central Georgia will be in effect Tuesday night.
Please make preparations for winter weather by visiting gema.georgia.gov/winter. Continue to closely monitor forecast updates from your local National Weather Service office and reliable media outlets throughout the week.
For more information, contact the Charlton County Emergency Management Agency at 912-390-2022 or visit the official website at www.charltoncountyga.us.
SchoolsCharlton County Schools will be OPEN and on regular schedule on Tuesday. However, due to the forecast of sleet/freezing rain and potential snow Tuesday night and into Wednesday morning, all after school activities on Tuesday are canceled.Additionally, schools are CLOSED for all students and staff on Wednesday.Schools are scheduled to be open and on regular schedule Thursday.
Glynn County
As of Monday, Glynn County is expecting freezes Tuesday late afternoon to Wednesday morning. Glynn County Schools will be closed on Wednesday.
Key Points for Glynn County:
- Nightly Inland Freezes through the Upcoming Weekend: Morning wind chills in the low to mid-20s. The cold weather advisory is still in place, especially Wednesday morning. Hard freezes are possible from Wednesday night through Saturday night.
- Winter Storm Warning for Tuesday night through Wed Afternoon: Increasing confidence of Wintry Precipitation. There is a medium Chance (30 50%) of Snow & Wintry Mix for Inland Southeast GA north of Waycross.
- Potential Cold and Winter Precipitation Impacts: Potential ice accumulation and impacts to power lines, trees, and roadways. Be aware of potential for black ice.
Recreation & Parks will be canceling activities scheduled for after 4 p.m. Tuesday.
Glynn County libraries will close at 4 p.m. Tuesday and will remain closed all day Wednesday.
Both the county and city will be closed for all services on Wednesday including courts. A decision on Thursday services will be made on Wednesday. Essential personnel will be on duty for emergency services.
Glynn County Public Works will have sand trucks ready if needed. Georgia Power and OREMC have extra crews on standby ready to handle power outages as needed.
Schools
Based on the latest forecast for wintry weather conditions and discussions with local emergency management officials, Glynn County Schools will remain open on Tuesday.
However, all extracurricular activities and after-school programs will conclude by 4 p.m. Tuesday.
Due to potential hazards such as black ice on roadways, impacts to power lines and trees, and freeze advisories forecasted for Tuesday night, all schools will be closed on Wednesday as a precautionary measure.
This decision has been made with the safety and well-being of students, staff, and families in mind. Please take necessary precautions and stay tuned for any additional updates regarding school schedules as the weather situation evolves.
Updates will be communicated through ParentSquare, our district website, Facebook page, and media partners.
Stay informed about the weather conditions by following updates from the Glynn County Emergency Management Agency and the National Weather Service in Jacksonville.
Pierce County
Pierce County is under a Winter Storm Warning from 4 p.m. Tuesday through 1 p.m. Wednesday with the chance of freezing rain and snow.
- Freezing Rain: High chance (50-80%) south of U.S. 84 to I-10 in NE FL. Ice accumulation up to 0.25” could lead to power outages and hazardous travel.
- Snow: 1-2 inches possible along and west of U.S. 84 in SE GA, with higher amounts near the Altamaha River.
The county is opening a warming shelter at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the NFC Gym at 705 College Ave. in Blackshear.
Guests are encouraged to arrive as early as possible, as road conditions are expected to become increasingly hazardous.
Please bring all materials needed to stay as long as the dangerous weather continues, including blankets, sleeping bags, pillows, medication, personal hygiene items, non-perishable food and other necessities.
Chairs, tables and restrooms will be available.
Cold Temperatures Through the Week:
- Nightly Freezes: Hard freezes expected inland with lows below 25°F through the weekend.
- Wind Chills: Low to mid-20s most mornings.
Safety Tips:
- Stock up on food, water, and winter supplies.
- Protect pets, crops, and pipes.
- Avoid travel during icy conditions and prepare for potential power outages.
Stay up to date with the current forecast at https://www.weather.gov/jax/ and stay safe if working outdoors and while driving.
Schools
Pierce County Schools will release early Tuesday and be closed on Wednesday.
There will be no afterschool activities on Tuesday or Wednesday.
The elementary schools will release at 1 p.m. Tuesday, the middle school will release at 2:15 p.m. and the high school will release at 2:30 p.m.
The Pierce County High School home varsity basketball vs. Appling Co. for Tuesday, Jan. 21, has been moved to Tuesday, Jan. 28. Varsity games only will be played that day starting at 6 p.m.
Ware County
The Waycross city manager listed these cold weather reminders on his Facebook page.
- The Police Department Courtroom is open to anyone needing shelter from the cold. The city auditorium will serve as a back up once the court room reaches capacity.
- Select roads that present potential hazards when wet will be closed on Wednesday. A list of those roads will be posted here.
- Please give the right of way to all GDOT, City/County, and Georgia Power vehicles as they salt, clear, manage, and mitigate our roads. They are trying to keep you safe.
- Drive safely and follow all posted safety/speed signs & traffic lights. Additionally, school is out Wednesday, so children will possibly be out playing, so slow down.
- Please do not attempt to move any downed power lines or trees.
- If you can stay home and avoid driving, please do.
- Please secure all animals from outside and follow the previously recommended guidance/measures to prevent frozen pipes and fire safety.
There is increasing confidence from Tuesday evening through noon on Wednesday of snow and wintry mix in Ware County.
Winter Precipitation Timing:
- Wintry mix begins after 3 p.m. on Tuesday and endsmid-morning on Wednesday through noon.
Safety Actions:
- Emergency Kits: Stock up on winter emergency supply kits for both home and vehicles.
- Travel Plans: Consider adjusting travel plans. Stay Alert for black ice if you have to travel. If you don’t have to travel during the wintery storm it is recommended to stay off the roadways.
- Keep in mind that emergency services and utility services may be delayed during the wintery mix event.
Monitor the National Weather Service, Jacksonville, FL, or other accurate reliable media outlets for updates.
For more information, check out [Ready.gov Winter Weather](https://ready.gov/winter-ready).
Trash
Ryland initiated trash pickup early Tuesday, ensuring all trucks are off the road by 3 p.m.
There will be no pickup on Wednesday.
If conditions allow, service will resume on Thursday at sunrise.
Please note that truck deployment on Thursday and Friday will be based on thorough condition assessments.
Schools
Ware County Schools will implement a 90-minute early release on Tuesday.
All schools will remain closed on Wednesday, and all afterschool activities, including athletic practices, will be canceled for both Tuesday and Wednesday.
Daffodil Pre-K will release at 12:45 p.m., and elementary schools will release at 1 p.m. The high school will release at 1:38 p.m., and both middle schools will release at 2 p.m.
The district will continue to monitor weather conditions and will provide updates regarding school schedules for the remainder of the week as more information becomes available.
Please ensure you have a plan for the early release on Tuesday, and stay tuned to the district’s official channels for updates.
